Pride and Prejudice discussion

How long did it take people to read this book?...I feel like I'm a slowpoke here. I started it last year and then put it down to read more interesting books. I picked it up again yesterday, and now I'm 25% into the book. Did anyone else take forever to read the book?

I didn't, but who cares? You're reading a classic and that's what counts! Just keep reading. : )

I can't remember how long it took me to read the first time but I do remember that P&P was the first book I read that I encountered the language of that time period and it took me a little while to get into the flow of it. Perhaps you are experiencing the same?

I'm with Verity. I'd rather take a few days/weeks time reading a great book than speeding through it in a few days and not remembering anything.

The first time I tried to read it I took forever. Later I went back and read it super fast. But in between I read a lot of books of the same genre/period and I grew up some. Don't worry if you don't get through it right away. Take your time and enjoy it!

First of all, your question is not stupid. I read P&P over the course of a week because it was assigned for a literature course, but probably would have taken longer if not for the class. Austen's work(s) are so embedded with beautiful language and clever detail to entice the reader and spark their imagination. Her pieces should always be enjoyed and read with care, because she puts so much thought into every single page. It took me a while to really appreciate her style, so I can understand why you take breaks between readings. What matters is that you continue to return to P&P. Bravo! Let me know if you have questions or want to talk about the book. I can give you tips to help make the reading process a bit easier. Happy reading!

Thanks guys...I was afraid I was stupid or something. I consider myself a reader and didn't want to be a slow-poke (yeah, I have pride issues). So thanks everyone for making me feel better :) You guys are really nice!!

I would also consider the fact you're not very far along in the book. It gets better later in the book.

I read it in a few days, mostly because I had nothing better to do, but i must admit it took me a lot longer than most books. When I first started reading it I kept rereading sentences and going back a few pages, but after a certain amount of pages you get used of the style.

I last read over 2 days (but the first time it took me about 3 weeks) even though I read really slowly. I think it just depends on the time you have and how into it you are, either way it doesn't matter so long as you enjoy it.

P&P was on the reading list for my senior year English class. It took me forever to start (a semester and half), but once I get into it, I could not stop (started in class during the day, and stayed up and finished it that night). I laugh so hard while reading it (literally fall out of bed), its an adorable story.
The key is to get into author's voice and into that period's writing style. I don't think I would be able to read it as fast now, its been years since I read a classic from that era, the terms and turn of phrase would be unfamiliar and difficult to assimilate.

the first time it took me all summer, it was on my summer list from my teacher. The second time I read in in three weeks and each time it easier. The language and mannerisms of the time do affect our ability to read and understand. Many times I found myself re-reading a paragraph to "get it". Still it is a amazing book

As long as you are enjoying your read, there is no time limit. The last time I read it, I put it down for other more interesting books too and extended my cover to cover time from December to February. Not worries there!

Pride and Prejudice is available as a book, TV productions, audible recording and many movie versions. I read the book only once years ago, and it took a while. However, the audio versions grabbed me at once, and I listened over and over. Sometimes the slower paced books, are easier to absorb when you can occupy yourself and listen. I used to make jewelry and spend hours listening to recordings. Truly, I know my concentration was more intense and I could listen for hours. When I read, I take a lot more breaks, but that's just me. I have to say, this book is a complete favorite in just about any genre.

You picked up other books. Who doesn't? That's actually good that you can read different books while in the process of reading another.

And who cares how fast you read it? Everyone reads at their own pace, and NO ONE should judge them for it. That's stupid to look down on someone because they read at a different pace. Read at YOUR pace, and don't worry how long it's taking you. You'll spend more time thinking about that then actually reading. ;)

I needed two restarts and a fangirly love for the 2005 film adaptation to get through P&P. Ever since I love Jane Austen and can read her books in no time. Don't worry about how long it takes you to read, as long as you enjoy it :)